Hi

I was given a Omni antenna from a ham who claims the best thing since sliced
cheese. I want to use it for receive at first and when licenses come in for
transmit. I would like to transmit on as many frequencies as practical and
possible as I have a good tuner.
This is an omni, aluminum, telescopic and it 19 feet long. It has 4 ground
planes about 8 feet long.
As I was cleaning it up, I noticed a coil at the base of the antenna
connecting ground to center. Right at the female connector within the base
of the antenna. There is a coil that has approx 20 windings and connects to
ground. The center also feeds to the piping that stretches the full 19 feet.
The coil is pretty rough shape.
My question is in regards to this coil. Is it necessary? What function will
it serve? I can rebuild it if need be but is that necessary? And is 19 feet
a good length for utilizing as many useable frequencies as possible?
Any advice?
Thanks
Bob